CERC suggested to hold public hearing on tariff issues

 

Mumbai: Prayas, an energy policy-related research organization and authorized consumer representative of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), has suggested that the central power regulator should hold a public hearing before deciding the final tariff for the Tata Power Co. Ltd’s and Adani Power Ltd’s power projects.
 
 
 
The companies have 4,000 MW power projects at Mundra in Gujarat. The Electricity Act, 2003, allows central and state-level regulators to appoint organizations or individuals as authorized consumer representatives to give consumers a say in the tariff determination process.
 
We have so far not received the copy of the report,” said a 23 August letter sent by Prayas to CERC. “Before the commission takes any final decision on the issue, we and other consumer representatives should be allowed to present their views on the tariff revision issue.”
 
 
 
 
 
Pune-based Prayas claimed the tariff hike of Rs.45-55 will impose a Rs.1,250-1450 crore annual burden on state government-owned distribution companies that purchase power from the Mundra project, which will get passed on to consumers.
 
 
 
“The presence of independent bankers and financial analysts can hardly be considered as adequate representation of interests of this most-affected stakeholder—the consumer. Therefore, consulting consumers regarding the committee report and its findings becomes imperative,’’ Prayas said in its letter.  MINT
 
 

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